Hamburg, Aug 3 (DPA) The International Olympic Committee (IOC) aims for athletes to name their doctors and physio-therapists at the start of each season in a stronger crackdown against doping.

Experts are currently looking into the legal aspects of the plan which is not expected to become reality before the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The final saying is with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on the issue in which sports officials aim to detect those behind the scenes in doping affairs.

Under the IOC plan the athletes are to name their doctors who are then required to countersign the relevant document.

'Doping has become so scientific that it is impossible for an athlete without an effective entourage,' IOC vice-president Thomas Bach told the German Press Agency DPA Monday.

'You get the impression at many hearings that most athletes are victims rather than culprits. Often only the athlete is sanctioned as the weakest link. This can not be tolerated.'

Bach said that the planned method was necessary as a latest deterrent against substance abuse.